The tradition of Guy Fawkes-related bonfires actually began the very
same year as the failed coup.

The Plot was foiled in the night between the 4th and 5th of November
1605. Already on the 5th, agitated Londoners who knew little more than
that their King had been saved, joyfully lit bonfires in thanksgiving.

As years progressed, however, the ritual became more elaborate. Soon,
people began placing effigies onto bonfires, and fireworks were added
to the celebrations.

Effigies of Guy Fawkes, and sometimes those of the Pope, graced the pyres.
Still today, some communities throw dummies of both Guy Fawkes and the
Pope on the bonfire (and even those of a contemporary politician or two),
although the gesture is seen by most as a quirky tradition, rather than
an expression of hostility towards the Pope.

Preparations for Bonfire Night celebrations include making a dummy of
Guy Fawkes, which is called "the Guy". Some children even keep up an old
tradition of walking in the streets, carrying "the Guy" they have just
made, and beg passersby for "a penny for the Guy."

The kids use the money to buy fireworks for the evening festivities.

On the night itself, Guy is placed on top of the bonfire, which is then
set alight; and fireworks displays fill the sky. The extent of the celebrations
and the size of the bonfire varies from one community to the next.

Lewes, in the South East of England, is famous for its Bonfire Night
festivities and consistently attracts thousands of people each year to
participate.

Bonfire Night is not only celebrated in Britain. The tradition crossed
the oceans and established itself in the British colonies during the centuries.
It was actively celebrated in New England as "Pope Day" as late as the
18th century.

Today, November 5th bonfires still light up in far out places like Newfoundland
in Canada, and some areas in New Zealand as well as South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Please to remember The Fifth
of November,
Gunpowder treason and plot;
I see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.

Guy, guy, guy!
Stick him up on high;
Hang him on a lamp post
And leave him there to die.

Ladies and gentlemen you'll never
grow fat,
If you don't put a penny in the old Guy's hat.